Travel insurance is important for anyone travelling abroad or away from home with a pre-existing medical condition. We recommend that you contact companies directly to compare the cost and level of cover. It is important to check what is included in the cover, and what is excluded. You may wish to discuss your travel plans with your cardiologist so you can plan in advance, and find the holiday that is right for you.
Applying for insurance
When describing your condition to insurance companies, you may find that different words are used to explain your condition. For example: typing in ‘cardiomyopathy’ into some insurance websites will give you a list of types of cardiomyopathy. Some describe the effect on the heart, and some describe the cause of the condition. Ask your cardiologist what they suggest or contact the insurance company directly.
Get a few quotations
It is worth contacting several companies to compare the cost and level of cover. Companies will ask for details of any medical conditions, and giving as much information as you can helps to find cover that meets your needs. It is important to check what is included in the cover, and what is excluded. Quotes may be high because they are calculated on the likelihood of you needing to make a claim. Some companies exclude claims relating to pre-existing medical conditions, and some may cover them at an additional cost.
Cardiomyopathy should be listed as a known condition and you should be asked to specify what type. They will likely ask about your medications, symptoms, recent hospital visits and any devices. If any company requires further information, you should use you latest clinic letter.
The British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA)
The British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) is a membership organisation, acting as an intermediary between insurance brokers and customers. The BIBA website connects customers with around 1,800 regulated firms through their 'Find Insurance Services', both online and via telephone.
When a customer contacts BIBA, one of their agents will take the details of the insurance needs. The agent will search for an insurance broker that can provide a quote based on those requirements and then transfer the customer to that broker. In order to compare quotes, the customer can contact BIBA again in order to be put through to another broker.
At the time of publication, BIBA were able to locate several brokers that were able to provide travel insurance quotes for someone affected by cardiomyopathy.